3 years probation for NY Senator Hiram Monserrate

View full sizeSeth Wenig / The Associated PressSenator Hiram Monserrate, center, speaks to reporters after leaving the Queens courthouse in New York, Oct. 15, 2009. Monserrate, a freshman state senator accused of slashing his girlfriend's face in a jealous rage was acquitted of a felony charge, but was convicted of a lesser charge of grabbing her by the arm in a scene caught on videotape. NEW YORK — New York state Sen. Hiram Monserrate has been sentenced to three years probation for dragging his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras.

The sentencing Friday also included 250 hours of community service and 52 weeks of domestic abuse counseling. An order of protection was continued.

Third-degree reckless assault, a misdemeanor, could have resulted in up to a year behind bars.

His girlfriend was in court for the sentencing.

Monserrate was acquitted of intentionally smashing Karla Giraldo’s face with a glass on Dec. 19, 2008. The wound near her eye required about 40 stitches; both said it was accidental.

Some lawmakers have called for Monserrate’s resignation. The freshman Democrat could have lost his Senate seat automatically if he’d been convicted of the more serious charge, second-degree felony assault.